Method and apparatus for automatically controlling fluid flow

ABSTRACT

An automatic flow control apparatus including a generally elongate housing which may be inserted within a fluid flow line. The housing has a first end suitable for connection with one portion of a flow line and a second end suitable for connection with a spaced portion of the flow line. Interiorly, the housing is provided with a central longitudinal passage which includes an enlarged longitudinally extending chamber intermediate the first and second ends of the housing. A first valve is mounted within the enlarged chamber for rotation and longitudinal translation from an open position at a first end of the enlarged chamber to a closed flow blocking position at a second end thereof. A second valve is positioned within the housing generally at the first end thereof and adjacent to the central longitudinal passage for automatically inducing, in response to impingement of a surge of fluid flow, rotation and longitudinal translation of the first valve from an open position into a closed position within the enlarged chamber.

A United States Patent 11 1 Addlson 1 July 31, 1973 METHOD AND APPARATUSFOR W Primary ExaminerSamuel Scott AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING FLUIDAssistant Examiner-Ira Lazarus FLOW AttorneyBradford E. Kile [75Inventor. Frank E. Addlson, Lafayette, La. ABSTRACT [73 Assignee; JamesBoring Montgomery, Anatole An automatic flow control apparatus includinga generpiaisance Howard L. Franques, ally elongate housing which may beinserted within a n mai m fluid flow line. The housmg has a first endsuitable for Lafayette Law part interest to each connection with oneportion of a flow line and a second end suitable for connection with aspaced portion of Filedi y 1972 the flow line. lnteriorly, the housingis provided with a central longitudinal passage which includes anenlarged [21] Appl. NO" 249,913 longitudinally extending chamberintermediate the first and second ends of the housing. A first valve is[52] US. Cl. 137/613, 138/42 mounted within the enlarged chamber forrotation and [BL Cl Flat 33/06 longitudinal translation from an openposition at a first [58] Field Of Search l37/6l 3, 614. l 3, end of theenlarged chamber to a closed flow blocking 42 position at a second endthereof. A second valve is positioned within the housing generally atthe first end References Ciled thereof and adjacent to the centrallongitudinal passage UNITED STATES PATENTS for automatically inducing,in response to impingement 2,264,5l7 12 1941 FOSKEI .l l38/3l x "8 offluid *"E 1 273949 7 19 summerrowm |3g/40 X lation of the first valvefrom an open position into a 1,779,448 10/1930 Pomeroy 138/31 cl seposition within the enlarged chamber. 1,436,4l7 ll l922 Trumble 138 422,118,248 5i1938 Chrisman 138/46 x Chims' 5 Figures 2,284,170 5/1942Santiago 138/40 X [451 July 31, 1973 T-V GO Patented July 31, 1973 2Sheets-Sheet 1 A l rl Patented July 31, 1973 2 Sheets-Sheet 53 METHODAND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION This invention pertains to a method and apparatus forcontrolling the flow of fluid through a conduit or flow line. Moreparticularly this invention relates to controlling fluid flow byautomatically closing off the flow line in the event a strong surge offlow is encountered.

While the subject invention is amenable to a wide variety ofapplications it has been'found to be particularly useful as a method andapparatus for preventing oil and/or gas well blowouts. In thisconnection in oil and- /or gas drilling and production one of the mostfeared and expensive accidents which may take place is a blowout.Blowouts occur when an unanticipated pressure pocket is encounteredwhich is greater than the pressure imposed within the bore hole bydrilling fluid. If such a situation is encountered, the drilling fluidis likely to be driven wildly up the line with an ultimate result ofsignificant structural damage and/or a violent fire.

In the past numerous devices have been designed to minimize thepossibility of oil well blowouts. At least one such previously knownblowout preventer is disclosed in a U. S. Lewis et al. Pat., No.3,589,667, wherein a rotary plug valve may be actuated to block fluidflow in the event of a blowout.

While previously known blowout prevention devices have achieved a degreeof commercial application, room for significant improvement remains.More specifically stated, previously known devices while possessing adegree of theoretical appeal are often unreliable when actually used inthe field. Further, many systems are complicated in design, requiringconsiderable initial capital expense, plus a substantial serviceschedule in order to properly maintain the units in operating condition.Still further, normal field hands often find previously known unitsdifficult to service. Moreover, many of the current known devices arenot fully automatic for both actuation and resetting. Additionally,current devices often damage a drilling or production pipe uponactuation, therefore dictating considerable down time to replaceruptured members.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION I It is therefore a general object of theinvention to obviate or minimize problems of the type previouslydescribed.

It is a specific object of the invention to provide a novel method andapparatus for reliably controlling the How of fluid through a flow line.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a novel method andapparatus for controlling fluid flow which is automatic both in terms ofactuation and also resetting capability.

it is yet a further object of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus for controlling fluid flow which is readily serviceableand, if required, replaceable.

lt is still a further object of the invention to provide a novel methodand apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in a flow line which isinitially relatively inexpensive and is composed of a synergisticformulation of proven components.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel method andapparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in a drilling and/orproduction string which will permit the unobstructed utilization oflines designed to run down the string.

It is still another object of the invention to proivde a novel methodand apparatus for controllin'g' the flow of fluid in a drilling and/orproduction string which will be effective to minimize the possiblity ofa hazardous blowout without damaging the string.

THE DRAWINGS Further objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description taken inconjunction'with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG 1 is a schematic illustration of at leastone working environmentwhere the subject automatic flow control invention has been found to beparticularly useful;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view in cross section of the subject flowcontrol apparatus disclosing a generally longitudinally extendinghousing, a first plug valve within a longitudinally extending enlargedchamber and a second valve positioned at a first end of the housing forautomatically actuating the first plug valve;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the flow control apparatusdisclosed in FIG. 2 including the first plug valve and the second pilotclosure in an open posture to permit fluid to freely flow through theflow control apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the flow control apparatus similarin general character to that of FIG. 3 wherein the first plug valve andthe second pivotally mounted pilot closure are in a closed posture toseal off fluid flow through the flow control apparatus; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along section line 5-5 in FIG. 2and discloses an assembly relationship of housing components of the flowcontrol apparatus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Typical Operational Environment As previouslymentioned, the subject flow control method and apparatus is amenable toa wide variety of applications. However, it has been found that theinstant method and apparatus is particularly useful for preventing oiland gas well blowouts. Therefore, for purposes of illustrating thisparticular utility of the subject invention, reference may be had toFIG. I wherein a conventional rotary drilling rig 10 is shown.

The rotary drilling rig 10 includes a derrick l2 which provides thevertical clearance necessary to raise and lower a drilling string intoand out ofa bore hole during drilling operations. In this connection, ablock crown (not shown) is supported at the apex thereof. The blockcrown is connected to a traveling block and rotary hook assembly 14which in turn supports a swivel 16. The swivel I6 is connected to akelly 18 through an automatic flow control apparatus 20 compprising thesubject invention. The kelly 18 is translatably mounted through a rotarytable 22 which is connected for rotation to engines not shown. Adrilling string 24 is attached downstream of the kelly and terminateswith a rotary drilling bit 26 for penetrating earth formations.

In order to remove cuttings from the bore hole, a viscous fluid or mudwhich is prepared in a mud pit 28, is picked up through a sludge pump 30and delivered via a stand pipe 32 and a rotary hose 3 through the swivell6 and automatic flow control apparatus to the kelly 18 and drill string24. The mud passing down the drill string 24 exits through water coursesor nozzles in the drilling bit 26 to pick up cuttings. The mud andcuttings then rise concentrically about the drilling string 24 within acasing 38 up to the surface where a flow line 40 conveys the mud andcuttings back to the mud pit.

Under nominal working conditions, fluid is continuously circulated fromthe mud pit through the automatic flow control apparatus 20, down thedrilling string 24, and back through casing 38 to the mud pit. It is notalways possible, however, to predict the exact magnitude of pressureswhich will be encountered in drilling a well. consequently, it is notuncommon to encounter pressures greater than those imposed by thecirculating drilling fluid with a result that formation fluid sometimesflows into the bore hole and eventually to the surface. This effect iscalled a blowout and, as previously noted, is one of the most feared andexpensive accidents which can occur in well drilling.

One type of blowout preventer is a device mounted within the derricksubstructure as at 42 and serves to block the annular passage betweenthe drilling string 24 and the casing 38. In order, however, toautomatically block the passage of the drilling string itself, theautomatic flow control apparatus 20 is positioned between the swivel l6and kelly 18 as previously described. Detailed Structure Turning nowparticularly to FIGS. 2-4, there will be seen detailed from and sideelevational views of the subject automatic flow control apparatus.

The flow control apparatus 20 includes a housing body 50 which isgenerally elongate in character and is fashioned with a centrallongitudinally extending passage 52 including an enlarged centrallongitudinally extending chamber 54. The housing body 60, as previouslynoted, is operatively connected at a first end thereof 56 to the kelly18 and at a second end thereof 58 to a conduit segment 60 which joinswith the swivel and rotary hook l4.

Mounted within the enlarged chamber 54 is a first or plug valve means 62which is formed with a flow through passage 64 therein. The exteriorconfiguration of the plug valve 62 is depicted as being generallyspherical, however, other geometrical exterior configurations such ascylindrical, etc., are also contemplated by the subject invention. Theplug valve 62 is suitable to rotate and translate from an open postureresting upon a curved surface 841 at the first end of the elongatechamber 54, note FIG. 3, to a closed posture wherein the surface of thevalve 62 will simultaneously abut against a curved surface 86 at thesecond end of the enlarged chamber 54 and sealingly engage an O-ring 88mounted within the second end of the enlarged chamber, note FIG. 4.

In order to guide the plug 62 for translation within the enlargedelongate chamber 54, trunnions 66 are formed on generally opposite sidesof the valve and extcnd generally normal to the longitudinal axis of theflow through passage 64. The trunnions 66 are mounted withinrectangularly shaped recesses 68 fashioned into opposing lateralportions of the housing 50.

In order to translate the first valve 62 upward and rotate the flowpassage 64 from an open vertical posture as depicted in FIG. 3 to aclosed transverse posture as depicted in FIG. 4, the lateral surfaces ofthe ball have therein a plurality of impulse buckets 70 which extend inalignment around the periphery of the plug valve 62. To provide fluidfor engaging said buckets secondary fluid passages 72 are fashionedthrough the first end 56 of the housing 50 and have a first end 74 influid communication with the central fluid channel 52 at the first endof the housing and a second end 76 which open into the central enlargedchamber 54 at a position adjacent a first one of the aligned impusebuckets 70. Therefore, in the event fluid passes through secondarypassage 72, it will impinge upon the impulse bucket 70 to lift androtate the plug valve 62 from an open position at the first end of theenlarged chamber 52 as shown in FIG. 3 to a closed position at thesecond end of the enlarged chamber 54 as depicted in FIG. 4.

The plug valve 62 is constrained to a limited degree of rotation from anopen position to a closed posture by the provision of stop meansinterconnecting the plug valve 62 and the enlarged housing 54. For easeof illustration, the stop means has been depicted in the drawings ascomprising the travel limits of pinion gears 80 mounted about theperiphery of the trunnions which mate with racks 82 mounted along onesurface of the guide channels 68, note FIG. 5. While a rack and pinionstop system has been disclosed for each of illustration, other forms ofstop means are fully contemplated by the subject invention such as forexample pads projecting from channels 68 which may engage recesses inthe ends of trunnions 66 or cam recesses fashioned within the surface ofthe plug valve 62-which engage projections extending from the enlargedchamber walls, etc.

Once the plug valve 62 is in a closed posture, as depicted in FIG. 4,and it is desirable to open the valve, the valve may be automaticallyopened by merely pressurizing central channel 52 at the second end ofthe housing. Such pressure will tend to translate the ball downwardlyguided within the channels 68 by the trunnion 66. In order, however, tosimultaneously rotate the flow through passage 64 back into axialalignment with the central longitudinal passage 52, means are providedwhich interconnect the plug 62 and an interior portion of the enlargedchamber 54 to positively provide the desired counter-rotational motion.For ease of illustration, the counter-rotational means is depicted inthe drawings as comprising the rack and pinion 82 and 80, respectively,as previously discussed. It will be realized, however, that other meansmay be pro vided to perform this counter-rotational function such asprojecting cams within the interior surface of the channel 54 whichwould engage with recesses in the plug 62 to positively provide forcounter-rotational movement, or camming surfaces between the trunnionsand channels to at least ensure that the ball will counter-rotate as ittranslates downwardly, etc.

In the event that the plug valve 62 becomes frozen to the seal 88auxiliary passages 90 are fashioned within the second end of the housing50 and having ends 92 thereof opening into the channel 52 above the seal88 and second ends 94 thereof opening into the enlarged chamber 54adjacent to the surface of the plug valve 62 in a closed posture. Thesurface of the plug valve in turn is fashioned with impulse bucket 96 oneach side of the plug which is directed for actuation in a reverseposture to the impulse buckets 70 such that fluid may pass around theseal 88 and generally tangentially impinge upon the surface of the plugvalve 62 to give an initial rotational kick to the ball to start thedownward rotational and translational motion thereof.

In order to automatically induce rotation and translation of the plugvalve 62 from an open to a closed posture, a second or pilot valve means100 is positioned adjacent to the central longitudinal passage 52 of thehousing at the first end 56 thereof. The pilot valve 100 is connectedfor pivotal motion to a pivot pin 102 which transversely extends withrespect to the central axis of longitudinal passage 52. The pilot valve100 is provided with a generally circular seal 104 suitable to engagewith a corresponding circular lip 106 which projects into the centralpassage 52 at the first end of the housing.

The pilot valve 100 may be biased by the provision of a permanent magnet108 which will co-act with the housing 50 to maintain the pilot valve ina normally open posture as depicted in FIG. 3. While a permanent magnet108 is particularly illustrated it will be appreciated by those skilledin the art that other biasing means may be provided such as a tensionspring or the like.

In order to actuate the pilot valve 100 into a closed posture againstthe bias provided by magnet 108, a channel or passage U0 is fashionedwithin the first end of the housing so that fluid flowing from the firstend of the housing to the second end thereof may accumulate behind a lipI12 of the pilot valve and thus pivot the valve into the flow stream anda closed posture as depicted in FIG. 4. Once the pilot valve is closed,fluid within the first end of the housing will be diverted throughauxiliary channels 72 to translate and rotate the main valve in anoperational manner to be discussed more fully hereinafter.

In order to assemble and disassemble for inspection and/or replacementof worn parts, the housing body 50 is provided with opposing side panels111 and 113, note FIGS. 2 and 5. The panels are interiorly fashionedwith curved surfaces to intimately engage with the outer surface of thefirst valve 62. The panels are connected to the housing 50 by theprovision of conventional threaded fasteners 114 brought into properalignment by engagement with aligning nipples 116 which project from thehousing 50.

Operation Operationally, the subject automatic flow control apparatus isnormally maintained in an open flow through posture such as depicted inFIGS. 2 and 3. In this connection, the pilot valve 100 is biased againstthe surface of the first end 56 of the flow control housing and the mainvalve 62 rests upon the curved surface 84 of the first end of theenlarged central chamber 54 with the flow through passage 64 thereofinaxial alignment with the central longitudinal passage 52 which extendsthrough the housing 50. Therefore, fluid may freely flow from the secondend to the first end of the housing as would be the case when the deviceis utilized as a drill pipe blowout preventer, note FIG. I.Alternatively, fluid may flow under nominal conditions from the firstend to the second end of the hosuing as long as the biasing means 108 isproperly dimensioned to maintain the pilot valve in an open posture.

In the event that a strong surge of fluid flow is encounted in adirection from the first to the second end of the flow control housingand in a magnitude sufficient to overcome the preselected bias of thepilot valve 100, the valve will close thus directing fluid throughauxiliary passages 72 and onto the impulse buckets of the plug valve 62.The valve 62 then will rotate and translate upwardly from impingement offluid thereupon to a closed posture, as illustrated in FIG. 4, whereinthe flow through passage 64 is rotated out of alignment with the centralpassage 52 and the lateral surfaces of the plug 62 blocks fluid flowthrough the housing 50. While the flow passage 64 is depicted as beingrotated it will be appreciated that a lesser degree of rotation will besatisfactory for operation of the subject invention. The onlyrequirement is that the flow through passage 64 must be rotatedcompletely out of alignment and fluid communication with the centrallongitudinal passage 52 at the second end of the enlarged chamber 54.

During the translational movement the trunnions and channels, aspreviously mentioned, serve to guide the plug valve 62 and the valve isstopped from free rotational movement by the provision of a stoppingmeans such as, for example, a rack and pinion. After the source ofsurging flow from the first to the second end of the housing isdissipated, the flow through apparatus may be automatically reset in anopen mode merely by pressurizing the second end of the housing 58. Inthis connection, as fluid accumulates at the second end of the housing,the plug valve 62 will be forced downwardly away from seal 88. In theevent the valve 62 is frozen to the seal, diversion of the fluid at thesecond end of the housing through passages 90 and tangentially to thevalve surface is normally sufficient to break the plug away from theseal and begin rotation and translation downwardly. The trunnion andchannel again guide translational movement of the plug valve 62 and toensure proper counter-rotation, means for rotating the valve such as,for example, the rack pinion are provided.

As the main valve 62 descends, fluid within the first end of the chamber54 will be forced against the pilot valve to open or reset the pilotvalve in a posture as depicted in FIG. 3. The apparatus is thusautomatically reset for subsequent automatic actuation in the event afurther strong surge of fluid flow is encountered through the flowcontrol apparatus from the first to the second end thereof.

MAJOR ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION From the foregoing it will beappreciated that the subject flow control method and apparatus providesa rugged and unsophisticated yet highly reliable and effective means forcontrolling the flow of strong surges of fluid through a conduit.

Further, the instant system is automatically operable both in terms ofactuation to block a strong surge of fluid flow and resetting to providecapability for blocking subsequent surging flow.

Moreover, the invention is a synergistic association of components ofprovcn operability to provide an in expensive device which is readilyserviceable.

Still further actuation of the subject invention does not result inserious damage to the drill string and therefore considerable down timeis avoided which was previously required to replace ruptured components.

Yet another significant advantage is the ability to run lines down thedrill string without becoming fouled in the blowout preventer.

While the invention has been described with referenee to preferredembodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatadditions, deletions,

modifications, substitutions and other changes not spe- 6. An automaticflow control apparatus as defined in cifically described and illustratedin these embodiments claim 2 and further comprising: may be made whichwill fall within the purview of the stop means positioned within theinterior of said enappended claims. larged chamber for preventing freerotational What is claimed is: 5 movement of said plug means at thefirst and sec- I. An automatic flow control apparatus comprising: ndends of said enlarged chamber. a generally elongate housing operable tobe inserted 7. An automatic flow control apparatus as defined in withina fluid flow line and including a first end claim 2 and furthercomprising:

connectable to one portion of the flow line and a a valve seatpositioned within the interior of said second end connectable to aspaced portion of the m housing at the junction of said enlarged chamberflow line, said housing having a central longitudinal with a portion ofsaid central longitudinal passage passage extending therethroughincluding an enat the second end of said housing for receiving in largedlongitudinally extending chamber intermesealing contact said plug meansin said closed or diate said first and second ends of said housing; 5flow blocking position.

first valve means positioned within said enlarged chamber forcontrolling fluid flow through said central longitudinal passage, saidfirst valve means being mounted for rotation and translation within saidenlarged chamber from an open position within said enlarged chamber at afirst end thereof to a closed position within said enlarged chamber at asecond end thereof; and

second valve means positioned within said housing generally at the firstend thereof and adjacent to 8. An automatic control flow apparatus asdefined in claim 7 and further comprising:

at least one alternate fluid passage fashioned within said housing atthe interior thereof wherein one end of said at least one alternatefluid passage is in fluid communication with said central longitudinalpassage on one side of said valve seat and the other end of said atleast one alternate fluid passage is in fluid communication with saidenlarged chamber; and

said central longitudinal passage for inducing rotaat least one fluidbucket fashioned within the surface tion and translation of said firstvalve means within of said plug means and positioned such that when saidenlarged chamber from an open position at the said plug means is insealing contact with said valve first end of the enlarged chamber to aclosed posiseat said at least one bucket is in fluid registry with tionat the second end of said enlarged chamber the other end of said atleast one alternate fluid upon said second valve means encountering asurge passage whereby fluid passing through said at least of fluidflowing through said housing central longione alternate fluid passagearound said valve seat tudinal passage from a first end to a second endwill impinge upon said at least one fluid bucket to thereof. disengagesaid plug means from said sealing con- 2. An automatic flow controlapparatus as defined in 5 tact with said valve seat.

claim 1 wherein said means for translation comprises:

trunnion means projecting from generally opposite sides of said plugmeans; and

channel means recessed within and longitudinally extending alonggenerally opposite sides of the interior surface of said enlargedchamber portion of said housing. 3. An automatic flow control apparatusas defined in claim 2 and further comprising:

means interconnecting an exterior portion of said plug means and an interior portion of said enlarged chamber for guiding said plug means fortranslation within said enlarged chamber.

4. An automatic flow control apparatus as defined in claim 3 and furthercomprising:

means interconnecting an exterior portion of said plug means and aninterior portion of said enlarged chamber for rotating said plug meansat least as said plug means moves from a closed position within saidenlarged chamber at the second end thereof to an open position withinsaid enlarged chamber at the first end thereof.

9. An automatic flow control apparatus as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid second valve means comprises:

in claim 9 and further comprising:

means for biasing said closure means in a normally open posture topermit fluid to freely flow through said central longitudinal passage.

11. An automatic flow control apparatus as defined in claim 10 whereinsaid biasing means comprises:

a permanent magnet connected to said closure means to bias said closuremeans into an open position adjacent said central longitudinal passage.

12. An automatic flow control apparatus as defined in claim 9 andfurther comprising:

at least one alternate fluid passage fashioned within said housing atthe first end thereof wherein one 5. An automatic flow control apparatusas defined in claim 1 wherein said first valve comprises:

plug means having a flow through passage therein for end of said atleast one alternate fluid passage is in axial alignment with saidcentral longitudinal pasfluid communication with said centrallongitudinal sage of said housing in said open position to permitpassage on one side of said closure means at least fluid to flow throughsaid central longitudinal pasone said closure means is in a fluidblocking posisage and for extension across said central longituditionacross said central longitudinal passage and the other end of said atleast one alternate fluid passage is in fluid communication with saidelongate chamber; and

nal passage of said housing in said closed position whereby said plugmeans will block the flow of fluid through said central longitudinalpassage.

at least one fluid bucket fashioned within the surface of said firstvalve means and positioned such that when said first valve means is inan open position within said enlarged chamber at a first end thereof endof said at least one alternate fluid passage is in fluid communicationwith said enlarged chamber;

at least one fluid bucket fashioned within the surface of said plugvalve means and positioned such that said at least one fluid bucket isin fluid registry with 5 when said plug valve means is in sealingcontact the other end of said at least one alternate fluid with saidvalve seat said at least one bucket is in passage whereby fluid passingthrough said at least fluid registry with the other end of said at leastone one alternate fluid passage around said closure alternate fluidpassage whereby fluid passing means will impinge upon said at least onefluid through said at least one alternate fluid passage bucket to rotateand translate said first valve means around said valve seat will impingeupon said at from an open position within said enlarged chamber at afirst end thereof to a closed position within least one fluid bucket todisengage said plug valve means from sealing contact with said valveseat;

a normally open closure means pivotally mounted to said housing on oneside of and in fluid communil5 cation with said central longitudinalpassage for blocking the flow of fluid through said central longitudinalpassage upon a surge of fluid flowing from said enlarged chamber at asecond end thereof. 13. An automatic flow control apparatus as definedin claim 12 wherein said at least one fluid bucket comprises:

a row of aligned fluid impulse buckets positioned within said firstvalve means to successively advance in primary fluid communication withthe fluid through said central longitudinal passage;

the first end of said elongate housing to the second end thereof;

other end of said alternate fluid passage as the first at least onealternate fluid passage fashioned within valve means rotates andtranslates into a closed posaid housing at the first end thereof whereinone sition. end of said at least one alternate fluid passage is in 14.An automatic flow control apparatus comprising: fluid communication withsaid central'longitudinal a generally elongate housing operable to beinserted passage on one side of said closure means, at least within afluid flow line and including a first end when said closure means is ina fluid blocking posiconnectable to one portion of the flow line and ation across said central longitudinal passage, and second endconnectable to a spaced portion of the the other end of said at leastone alternate fluid flow line,said housing havingacentral longitudinalpassage is in fluid communication with said enpassage extendingtherethrough including an enlarged chamber; and larged longitudinallyextending chamber intermeat least one row of aligned fluid impulsebuckets fashdiate said first and second ends of said housing; ionedwithin the surface of said plug valve means plug valve means having aflow through passage and positioned such that when said first valvetherein positioned within said enlarged chamber means is in openposition within said enlarged for controlling fluid flow through saidcentral longichamber at the first end thereof an initial one of tudinalpassage, said plug valve means being said at least one row of alignedfluid impulse buckmounted for rotation and translation within said etsis in fluid registry with the other end of said at enlarged chamber froman open position within least one alternate flow passage whereby fluidpasssaid enlarged chamber at a first end thereof ing through said atleast one alternate fluid passage wherein the flow through passage is inaxial align around ment with said central longitudinal passage of saidsaid closure will flow impinge upon the fluid impulse housing to aclosed position within said enlarged buckets successively to rotate andtranslate said chamber at a second end thereof wherein said flow plugvalve means from an open position within said through passage extendsacross said central longienlarged chamber at a first end thereof to aclosed tudinal passage of said housing to block the flow of positionwithin said enlarged chamber at a second end thereof.

15. A method for automatically controlling the flow of fluid within aflow line by utilizing an elongate flow control apparatus having ahousing with a central longitudinal passage therethrough including anenlarged central chamber, said housing having a first end connected witha portion of the flow line and a second end connected with a spacedportion of the flow line comprising the steps of:

automatically closing a pilot valve across said central passage inresponse to a surge of fluid flow through said central longitudinalpassage from the first end of said housing to the second end thereof;and

automatically closing a plug valve in response to closing said pilotvalve by,

rotating the plug valve within the enlarged central chamber, and

translating the plug valve within the enlarged central chamber'from anopen position at a first end thereof to a closed position at a secondend thereof.

16. A method for automatically controlling the flow of fluid within aflow line as defined in claim 15 trunnion means projecting fromgenerally opposite sides of said plug valve means and channel meansrecessed within and longitudinally extending along generally oppositesides of the interior surface of said enlarged chamber portion of saidhousing for guiding said plug valve means for translation within saidenlarged chamber;

stop means positioned within the interior of said enlarged chamber forpreventing free rotational movement of said plug valve means at thefirst and second ends of said enlarged chamber;

a valve seat positioned within the interior of said housing at thejunction of said enlarged chamber with a portion of said centrallongitudinal passage 6 at the second end of said housing for receivingin sealing contact said plug valve means in said closed position;

at least one alternate fluid passage fashioned within said housing atthe second end thereof wherein one end of said at least one alternatefluid passage is in fluid communication with said central longitudinalpassage on one side of said valve seat and the other whcrien said stepof automatically closing a plug valve is effectuated by:

diverting fluid from said central longitudinal passage around saidclosed pilot valve, and directing the diverted fluid onto the peripheryof said plug valve to rotate and translate the plug valve to a closedposition within said enlarged central chamber, 17. A method forautomatically controlling the flow of fluid within a flow line asdefined in claim 16 further comprising the step of:

guiding the main valve during translating motion thereof within theenlarged chamber, 18. A method for automatically controlling the flow offluid within a flow line as defined in claim 17 and further comprisingthe step of:

tional motion thereof.

I! i 1 i

1. An automatic flow control apparatus comprising: a generally elongatehousing operable to be inserted within a fluid flow line and including afirst end connectable to one portion of the flow line and a second endconnectable to a spaced portion of the flow line, said housing having acentral longitudinal passage extending therethrough including anenlarged longitudinally extending chamber intermediate said first andsecond ends of said housing; first valve means positioned within saidenlarged chamber for controlling fluid flow through said centrallongitudinal passage, said first valve means being mounted for rotationand translation within said enlarged chamber from an open positionwithin said enlarged chamber at a first end thereof to a closed positionwithin said enlarged chamber at a second end thereof; and second valvemeans positioned within said housing generally at the first end thereofand adjacent to said central longitudinal passage for inducing rotationand translation of said first valve means within said enlarged chamberfrom an open position at the first end of the enlarged chamber to aclosed position at the second end of said enlarged chamber upon saidsecond valve means encountering a surge of fluid flowing through saidhousing central longitudinal passage from a first end to a second endthereof.
 2. An automatic flow control apparatus as defined in claim 1wherein said means for translation comprises: trunnion means projectingfrom generally opposite sides of said plug means; and channel meansrecessed within and longitudinally extending along generally oppositesides of the interior surface of said enlarged chamber portion of saidhousing.
 3. An automatic flow control apparatus as defined in claim 2and further comprising: means interconnecting an exterior portion ofsaid plug meaNs and an in terior portion of said enlarged chamber forguiding said plug means for translation within said enlarged chamber. 4.An automatic flow control apparatus as defined in claim 3 and furthercomprising: means interconnecting an exterior portion of said plug meansand an interior portion of said enlarged chamber for rotating said plugmeans at least as said plug means moves from a closed position withinsaid enlarged chamber at the second end thereof to an open positionwithin said enlarged chamber at the first end thereof.
 5. An automaticflow control apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said first valvecomprises: plug means having a flow through passage therein for axialalignment with said central longitudinal passage of said housing in saidopen position to permit fluid to flow through said central longitudinalpassage and for extension across said central longitudinal passage ofsaid housing in said closed position whereby said plug means will blockthe flow of fluid through said central longitudinal passage.
 6. Anautomatic flow control apparatus as defined in claim 2 and furthercomprising: stop means positioned within the interior of said enlargedchamber for preventing free rotational movement of said plug means atthe first and second ends of said enlarged chamber.
 7. An automatic flowcontrol apparatus as defined in claim 2 and further comprising: a valveseat positioned within the interior of said housing at the junction ofsaid enlarged chamber with a portion of said central longitudinalpassage at the second end of said housing for receiving in sealingcontact said plug means in said closed or flow blocking position.
 8. Anautomatic control flow apparatus as defined in claim 7 and furthercomprising: at least one alternate fluid passage fashioned within saidhousing at the interior thereof wherein one end of said at least onealternate fluid passage is in fluid communication with said centrallongitudinal passage on one side of said valve seat and the other end ofsaid at least one alternate fluid passage is in fluid communication withsaid enlarged chamber; and at least one fluid bucket fashioned withinthe surface of said plug means and positioned such that when said plugmeans is in sealing contact with said valve seat said at least onebucket is in fluid registry with the other end of said at least onealternate fluid passage whereby fluid passing through said at least onealternate fluid passage around said valve seat will impinge upon said atleast one fluid bucket to disengage said plug means from said sealingcontact with said valve seat.
 9. An automatic flow control apparatus asdefined in claim 1 wherein said second valve means comprises: a normallyopen closure means pivotally mounted to said housing on one side of andin fluid communication with said central longitudinal passage whereby asurge of fluid through said central longitudinal passage from the firstend of said housing to the second end thereof will automatically swingsaid closure means across said central longitudinal passage and blockthe flow of fluid therethrough.
 10. An automatic flow control apparatusas defined in claim 9 and further comprising: means for biasing saidclosure means in a normally open posture to permit fluid to freely flowthrough said central longitudinal passage.
 11. An automatic flow controlapparatus as defined in claim 10 wherein said biasing means comprises: apermanent magnet connected to said closure means to bias said closuremeans into an open position adjacent said central longitudinal passage.12. An automatic flow control apparatus as defined in claim 9 andfurther comprising: at least one alternate fluid passage fashionedwithin said housing at the first end thereof wherein one end of said atleast one alternate fluid passage is in fluid communication with saidcentral longitudinal passage on one side of said closure means at leastone said closure means is in a fluid blocking position across saidcentral longitudinal passage and the other end of said at least onealternate fluid passage is in fluid communication with said elongatechamber; and at least one fluid bucket fashioned within the surface ofsaid first valve means and positioned such that when said first valvemeans is in an open position within said enlarged chamber at a first endthereof said at least one fluid bucket is in fluid registry with theother end of said at least one alternate fluid passage whereby fluidpassing through said at least one alternate fluid passage around saidclosure means will impinge upon said at least one fluid bucket to rotateand translate said first valve means from an open position within saidenlarged chamber at a first end thereof to a closed position within saidenlarged chamber at a second end thereof.
 13. An automatic flow controlapparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said at least one fluid bucketcomprises: a row of aligned fluid impulse buckets positioned within saidfirst valve means to successively advance in primary fluid communicationwith the other end of said alternate fluid passage as the first valvemeans rotates and translates into a closed position.
 14. An automaticflow control apparatus comprising: a generally elongate housing operableto be inserted within a fluid flow line and including a first endconnectable to one portion of the flow line and a second end connectableto a spaced portion of the flow line, said housing having a centrallongitudinal passage extending therethrough including an enlargedlongitudinally extending chamber intermediate said first and second endsof said housing; plug valve means having a flow through passage thereinpositioned within said enlarged chamber for controlling fluid flowthrough said central longitudinal passage, said plug valve means beingmounted for rotation and translation within said enlarged chamber froman open position within said enlarged chamber at a first end thereofwherein the flow through passage is in axial alignment with said centrallongitudinal passage of said housing to a closed position within saidenlarged chamber at a second end thereof wherein said flow throughpassage extends across said central longitudinal passage of said housingto block the flow of fluid through said central longitudinal passage;trunnion means projecting from generally opposite sides of said plugvalve means and channel means recessed within and longitudinallyextending along generally opposite sides of the interior surface of saidenlarged chamber portion of said housing for guiding said plug valvemeans for translation within said enlarged chamber; stop meanspositioned within the interior of said enlarged chamber for preventingfree rotational movement of said plug valve means at the first andsecond ends of said enlarged chamber; a valve seat positioned within theinterior of said housing at the junction of said enlarged chamber with aportion of said central longitudinal passage at the second end of saidhousing for receiving in sealing contact said plug valve means in saidclosed position; at least one alternate fluid passage fashioned withinsaid housing at the second end thereof wherein one end of said at leastone alternate fluid passage is in fluid communication with said centrallongitudinal passage on one side of said valve seat and the other end ofsaid at least one alternate fluid passage is in fluid communication withsaid enlarged chamber; at least one fluid bucket fashioned within thesurface of said plug valve means and positioned such that when said plugvalve means is in sealing contact with said valve seat said at least onebucket is in fluid registry with the other end of said at least onealternate fluid passage whereby fluid passing through said at least onealternate fluid passage around said valve seat will impinge upon said atleast one fluid bucket to disengage said plug valve means from seAlingcontact with said valve seat; a normally open closure means pivotallymounted to said housing on one side of and in fluid communication withsaid central longitudinal passage for blocking the flow of fluid throughsaid central longitudinal passage upon a surge of fluid flowing from thefirst end of said elongate housing to the second end thereof; at leastone alternate fluid passage fashioned within said housing at the firstend thereof wherein one end of said at least one alternate fluid passageis in fluid communication with said central longitudinal passage on oneside of said closure means, at least when said closure means is in afluid blocking position across said central longitudinal passage, andthe other end of said at least one alternate fluid passage is in fluidcommunication with said enlarged chamber; and at least one row ofaligned fluid impulse buckets fashioned within the surface of said plugvalve means and positioned such that when said first valve means is inopen position within said enlarged chamber at the first end thereof aninitial one of said at least one row of aligned fluid impulse buckets isin fluid registry with the other end of said at least one alternate flowpassage whereby fluid passing through said at least one alternate fluidpassage around said closure will flow impinge upon the fluid impulsebuckets successively to rotate and translate said plug valve means froman open position within said enlarged chamber at a first end thereof toa closed position within said enlarged chamber at a second end thereof.15. A method for automatically controlling the flow of fluid within aflow line by utilizing an elongate flow control apparatus having ahousing with a central longitudinal passage therethrough including anenlarged central chamber, said housing having a first end connected witha portion of the flow line and a second end connected with a spacedportion of the flow line comprising the steps of: automatically closinga pilot valve across said central passage in response to a surge offluid flow through said central longitudinal passage from the first endof said housing to the second end thereof; and automatically closing aplug valve in response to closing said pilot valve by, rotating the plugvalve within the enlarged central chamber, and translating the plugvalve within the enlarged central chamber from an open position at afirst end thereof to a closed position at a second end thereof.
 16. Amethod for automatically controlling the flow of fluid within a flowline as defined in claim 15 wherien said step of automatically closing aplug valve is effectuated by: diverting fluid from said centrallongitudinal passage around said closed pilot valve, and directing thediverted fluid onto the periphery of said plug valve to rotate andtranslate the plug valve to a closed position within said enlargedcentral chamber.
 17. A method for automatically controlling the flow offluid within a flow line as defined in claim 16 further comprising thestep of: guiding the main valve during translating motion thereof withinthe enlarged chamber.
 18. A method for automatically controlling theflow of fluid within a flow line as defined in claim 17 and furthercomprising the step of: automatically reopening the plug valve by,rotating the plug valve within the enlarged central chamber, andtranslating the plug valve within the enlarged central chamber from aclosed position at the second end thereof to an open position at thefirst end therof.
 19. A method of automatically controlling the flow offluid within a flow line as defined in claim 18 and further comprisingthe step of: delivering fluid from said central longitudinal passage totangentially impinge upon the surface of the main valve to initiate theautomatic reopening rotational motion thereof.